Sweet and Spicy Red Kuri Squash (Printable Version)

Vibrant roasted red kuri squash with warming spices, maple syrup, and chili, topped with quinoa, kale, and pepitas.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium red kuri squash (about 2 lbs), seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 medium red onion, sliced
03 - 2 cups kale, chopped with stems removed
04 - 1 cup cooked quinoa, optional for serving

→ Spice and Seasoning

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
09 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes
10 - ¾ teaspoon sea salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Sweet and Tangy

12 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

→ Garnishes

14 - ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1 small lime, cut into wedges

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine red kuri squash and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
03 - Spread seasoned vegetables in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes.
04 - Drizzle maple syrup and apple cider vinegar over partially roasted vegetables. Toss gently and return to oven for 10 minutes until caramelized and tender.
05 - While squash roasts, steam or sauté chopped kale until just wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Divide cooked quinoa among four bowls if using. Top with roasted squash, onions, and wilted kale.
07 - Top each bowl with roasted pumpkin seeds and chopped cilantro. Serve with fresh lime wedges.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The squash gets creamy inside while the edges turn golden and slightly crisp, giving you two textures in every bite.
  • Sweet maple and warm spices balance the chili heat so perfectly that even spice-shy friends ask for seconds.
  • It comes together in under an hour and uses mostly pantry staples you probably already have.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to deepen.
02 -
  • Don't skip the second toss with maple syrup and vinegar, that's when the magic happens and the vegetables turn glossy and caramelized.
  • If your squash cubes are uneven sizes, the smaller ones will cook faster, so try to cut them as uniformly as possible.
  • Taste the kale after wilting and add a pinch of salt if needed, it should be flavorful on its own.
03 -
  • Roast the pumpkin seeds yourself with a pinch of salt and cumin for an extra layer of flavor that store-bought versions can't match.
  • If your red kuri squash is particularly large, save the extra roasted cubes and toss them into salads or grain bowls throughout the week.
  • Taste the bowl before serving and adjust with more lime, salt, or chili flakes, the balance should feel just right to you.
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